19-year-old man found dead on sidewalk in Allentown identified

ALLENTOWN, Pa - A 19-year-old man from Upper Saucon Township was found dead in the 800 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Allentown on Friday evening, June 6. His body was found on the sidewalk, according to officials.

Ayden J. Scharper was pronounced dead at 11:49 p.m., according to the Lehigh County Coroner's office.

According to reports, Ayden was a 2023 Southern Lehigh High School graduate and had been a standout kicker and punter, earning 4.5-star Kohl's Kicking rankings and all-area recognition in both football and soccer. Later, he joined the Muhlenberg College football roster, where he averaged 41.2 yards per punt and scored his first collegiate point with a PAT against TCNJ.

Ayden was also a talented photographer.

An autopsy conducted at the Lehigh County Coroner's office determined the manner of death to be suicide, as stated by the coroner. The coroner's office also reported that there is no evidence of suspicious activity or foul play.

19-year-old Ayden J. Scharper

Alongside the coroner's office, the Allentown Police Department is also investigating.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, and all who knew and loved Ayden.

LoriLee

WGOLV

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